New Delhi: The Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army celebrated its 70th Raising Day on April 15. It is the main airborne regiment of the Indian Army and has a long legacy of several successful missions in its account.
The regiment was raised as the 50 Independent Parachute Brigade in 1941 with 151 British, 152 Indian, and 153 Gurkha Parachute Battalions and other support units.
The Indian Parachute Regiment was officially established in March 1945 and took part in a military operation named Operation Dracula in Burma (present-day Myanmar).
This regiment also deployed to provide medical assistance during the 1950 Korea war. In March 1951, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance unit took part in Operation Tomahawk of the war. The para unit earned the title of "Angels in Maroon Berets" from the locals for its selfless service.
The regiment of the present day came into existence on April 15, 1952, when three existing parachute battalions – 1st battalion of Punjab Para Regiment, 3rd Battalion of Maratha Light Infantry and 1st Battalion of Kumaon Regiment – were rebadged.
The regiment has a total of 11 regular, one Rashtriya Rifles and two territorial army battalions.
(Defence Watch– India's Defence Business News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)